bookofjoe

Expert's Expert: thebeautybrains.com

thebeautybrains.com is a website "written by authors who describe themselves as professional cosmetic chemists," wrote Natasha Singer in the May 10, 2007 New York Times, adding that the blog "critiques the science, or lack thereof, behind products."

One of the site's authors told Singer in a phone interview that they choose to remain anonymous because they "work in the beauty industry and wish to keep their identities secret so they can write candidly."

They also wish to keep their day jobs.

But I digress.

In Singer's story she noted that Dr. Robert Oliver Jr., a plastic surgeon in Birmingham, Alabama whose blog is at plasticsurgery.101.blogspot.com, "said that the Beauty Brains is one of the few skin-care blogs he peruses."

4-in-1 iPod Charger — Sometimes ugly is beautiful

This device won't win any I.D. magazine awards but it sure looks useful, which makes it gorgeous in my eyes.

From the website:

4-in-1 iPod Charger

Versatile charger keeps your iPod going virtually anywhere.

Charge your iPod anywhere you go.

This versatile unit charges your iPod one of four ways — your car's lighter socket, a 110v wall socket, a computer USB port or a 9v battery.

Plugs directly into your iPod dock and works with all dockable iPods from Gen 1 right thru the latest "with Video" models.

iPod shown is not included.

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Nor is any other model/version, I might add.

White or Black.

$29.95.

Virtual Perpetual Calendar

What day of the week were you born on?

Now you can find out.

Sunday, June 8, 2014 (above): save the date 'cause it's gonna be partáy time here at bookofjoe World Headquarters™®.

[via Mónica Guzmán]

Ratcheting Hex Wrench

Very impressive.

From the website:
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Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench

A breakthrough, the Ratcheting Hex wrench is a big improvement over the standard L-type hex wrench.

First, you get a complete set of standard or metric hex wrenches in one compact tool.

Even better, the easy-grip ratcheting handle makes tightening or loosening hex bolts much easier, so you get done faster.

Features:

• Chrome vanadium steel keys with black oxide coating for hardness

• Reverse tool holder within sleeve to access multiple tools

• Ratchet reverses direction with convenient switch

• Folds to 1" x 1" x 4"

• Comfortable grip
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Standard or

Metric, each $16.99.

BehindTheMedspeak: Flesh eating fish — Episode 2: 'Dr. Piranha will see you now'

Above, the headline of Kathleen Hom's story in today's Washington Post Health section about the rise of medicinal flesh eating fish in Asia.

In the picture up top, taken at a hot spring resort in Chongqing, China, "doctor fish" nibble on the feet of people with skin diseases to remove dead skin.

Constant readers will recall Episode 1 in this series, which appeared back on December 16, 2006.

The Post article follows.

Dr. Piranha Will See You Now

The bathers pictured above, in Chongqing, China, aren't just pleasure-seekers. They're also lunch for a breed of small freshwater fish that devour dead skin. Exfoliation by fish, popular in some parts of Europe and Asia, can temporarily ease the symptoms of such skin disorders as psoriasis. Dermatology professor David Pariser at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk says removing the scales caused by psoriasis may make skin appear healthier; also, he said, spa water sometimes contains selenium, a mineral used to treat dandruff, which may offer some relief. But the scales will eventually return, he said, and the fish technique probably works no better than more conventional treatments such as UV phototherapy and topical ointments.

Maclaren Philippe Starck Limited Edition Stroller

From the website:

Maclaren Starck 2007 Stroller

The Maclaren Starck is a great ultra light stroller.

It weighs only 13 pounds (6 Kgs) and can carry a load of up to 55 pounds (25 Kgs).

With 1 seat position, it is advisable for little ones from 6 months.

What could be more important than protection in a stroller?

The Starck features an versatile 5-point protection harness.

Of course, you need to adjust the straps for the right mix of safety and comfort.

The Starck 2007 demonstrates an fantastic ride with its shock-absorbing aluminum frame.

The one-hand fold procedure works very well and comes in handy when doing some shopping while holding a venti no foam latte!

Once the stroller is folded, the practical carry handle will allow you to lift it into your car trunk or even lug it around.

The Starck 2007 also offers comfy handles which materially help with the stroller's operability, particularly when trying to push the stroller with one hand (it's that coffee drink again!).

The Starck 2007 stroller comes with a small basket which is helpful for shopping or just bringing a few essentials along.

Taller children won't leave their feet dangling due to the comfortable leg rest.

To protect from the rain, the Maclaren Starck 2007 has a hood.

Includes a travel bag.

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Purple (top), Nectarine, Lemon or Carbon.

$300.

Newsbios.com — 'Home of the world's most influential journalists'

I don't remember how I happened on this website but once I got there it was a while before I moved on.

By noodling around the various features and links I found out all sorts of interesting (to me at least) stuff, such as which Wall Street Journal reporter had the largest number of page one bylines of over 900 total that appeared in the paper for the six-month period ending March 31, 2007.

Answer: Jackie Calmes, whose name I do recall seeing there on more than one occasion.

A total of eight reporters wrote or contributed to ten or more page one articles.

Those are some very heavy hitters and Rupert Murdoch had better make sure he's extra nice to them if/when he ever gets into the newsroom to press the flesh.

And how 'bout a shout-out for Mónica Guzmán of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the gracious, patient star of the gonzo video up top?

Instant Seat Cover

The moment I saw this item on the cover of a catalog in my mailbox this morning, I wanted one.

I cannot tell you how annoying it is to have to sit on plastic bags, paper towels, newspapers and/or whatever else I can find in my car's trunk when I drive home after a 5K race or a run on a hot, humid day.

The alternative is to immerse my seat in quarts of my sweat, and slide around in it while doing so.

Yucko.

From the website:
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Instant Seat Protector

Luxuriously soft cover slips on like a poncho.

After a workout, a day at the beach or when you pick up the kids after soccer practice, slip this plush, absorbent towel over your headrest.

The instant cover protects your vehicle’s seat from moisture, dirt, pet hair, sweat and bug spray.

No straps, snaps or elastic — goes off and on in seconds.

Machine-washable cotton velour terry.

57"L x 27"W.

In Tan.
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$29.95.